Design With the Other 90%

Design With the Other 90% is a thought-provoking documentary series that aired on the Smithsonian Channel in 2011, focusing on the intersection of design, innovation, and social impact. The show sheds light on the critical issue of how design can be harnessed to improve the lives of the vast majority of people globally, specifically those who live on less than $1 a day—often referred to as the "other 90%." This demographic faces significant challenges including poverty, lack of access to basic resources, and limited opportunities for education and economic advancement.

Throughout the series, viewers are taken on a compelling journey across various regions of the globe, witnessing how creative and innovative design solutions can address pressing everyday problems faced by underserved communities. The series highlights a diverse array of design projects and showcases how thoughtful and inclusive design practices can lead to sustainable, scalable solutions that empower individuals and communities.

One of the central themes of the series is the idea that traditional design approaches often overlook or exclude the voices and needs of the global majority. In response to this gap, the show's creators and featured designers advocate for a paradigm shift in the way designers think about their roles and responsibilities. The series emphasizes the importance of incorporating the viewpoints of the very people who are affected by these designs—ensuring that the solutions are not only functional but also culturally and contextually appropriate.

Each episode delves into different sectors of design, exploring innovations in areas such as architecture, product development, and public health. For instance, the show examines how low-cost, sustainable building materials can be used to create safe and dignified housing for families in developing countries. It also highlights ingenious inventions like water purification systems that can be manufactured from locally available materials, providing access to clean drinking water where it is most desperately needed.

Furthermore, Design With the Other 90% showcases the role of education and capacity building in these design initiatives. It illustrates how partnering with local communities and organizations can lead to successful outcomes not just by providing solutions, but by empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to create and maintain these solutions themselves. This educational aspect highlights the importance of fostering local talent and encouraging grassroots initiatives to ensure that design is not a top-down process, but rather a collaborative effort that builds resilience within communities.

The series does not shy away from addressing the broader implications of design on issues such as health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. It sparks a conversation about the responsibility of designers to consider the impact of their work on society and the planet. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on the ethical dimensions of design and how it can be a force for good in the world—challenging the notion that design is solely an aesthetic or luxury pursuit.

The cinematography in Design With the Other 90% is both beautiful and impactful, capturing the vibrant lives of the people featured in the series while showcasing the environments in which they live and work. The storytelling is compelling, mixing personal narratives with expert insights, making each episode not only informative but also emotionally resonant. The series utilizes interviews with designers, community leaders, and beneficiaries of these design initiatives to paint a holistic picture of the challenges and successes encountered along the way.

In addition to its inspiring content, the show is a call to action for viewers—encouraging them to consider how they can contribute to positive change through their own design practices or simply by being more mindful consumers. By highlighting the importance of socially responsive design, the series advocates for a future where design is utilized as a tool for empowerment and inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

Overall, Design With the Other 90% serves as both a celebration of innovative design solutions and a critique of conventional design methodologies. It is a poignant reminder that the power of design extends far beyond aesthetic appeal, encompassing the potential to drive social change and improve living conditions for millions around the world. Through its engaging narrative and visually stunning presentation, the series invites viewers to reassess their understanding of design and its capabilities—ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and responsible approach to creating solutions that serve the needs of the many, not just the privileged few.